As exhibited by struggling Jason Castro, LF isn't the only black hole in the HOU lineup. Plus an unexpected LAA bullpen solution, and more from the AL West.

LAA GM Jerry DiPoto gave Raul Ibanez a late May vote of confidence, but it seems to be wearing thin in late June. But Ibanez' potential roster replacement may not be an easy call.

Skills and performances are critical when projecting future closers, as are contracts in some cases. We project the OAK, HOU and LAA closer roles and look at SEA's surging rotation.

Jon Villar's .195 BA is one reason he's been on the bench just as often as in the lineup recently. We examine his immediate prognosis along with other PT questions around the AL West.

Ten days before the amateur draft, the BOS re-sign of Stephen Drew is a template for improving SEA's sputtering offense. But the Mariners will have competition if they don't move quickly.

Only injuries to other SS options have kept Brad Miller in SEA, where his playing time is in jeopardy. We also check in on an LAA roster in flux and the Ranger pitching outlook.

With Martin Perez and Robbie Ross struggling, the TEX rotation is suddenly reeling again. And the Rangers aren't the only AL West team with immediate SP depth issues.

Down three regulars through at least mid-May, LAA's weekend roster shake-up—including the addition of Grant Green—points to fluid lineups and job battles over the next few weeks.

Answers are tough to come by as we ponder some AL West pitching issues like Ernesto Frieri and the LAA closing situation, HOU phenom Collin McHugh, and the disappearance of OAK's SP depth.

David Freese has stumbled badly out of the gate. And now a quadriceps injury is forcing him to cede 3B playing time to Ian Stewart.

April has AL West teams wrestling with either key injuries (like Adrian Beltre, pictured) or closer committees, and sometimes both. How might some of these play out going forward?